The controversial disqualification has irrevocably changed the entire outcome of the Pokemon TCG World Championship.
The 2024 World Championship tournament is considered the pinnacle of competition in the Pokemon TCG. However, despite the tournament being held in Honolulu, there have been numerous issues and chaos surrounding the event.
In the initial phases of the competition, a competitor was removed from the tournament for suspected cheating, but the suspense did not end there. Another controversial disqualification during the quarter-finals has greatly impacted the final bracket and outcome of the tournament.
Despite winning their match with a convincing 2-0 score, competitor Ian Robb was later issued a loss by The Pokemon Company due to what they deemed as “unsportsmanlike behavior”. This was caused by a gesture made by Robb that may have been interpreted as inappropriate by officials.
Ian Robb, the competitor that Fernando Cifuentes originally lost to, was disqualified for this gesture. pic.twitter.com/NmfzXrl2qD
— Pokémon Center (@PokemonCenter) August 18, 2024
There is a debate among viewers regarding Robb’s actions, with some believing it to be obscene while others see it as an inside joke referencing his risky play. According to a Pokemon TCG fan, Robb was actually mimicking the action of rolling dice during the match. In contrast, another viewer dismissed the idea that Robb’s gesture was inappropriate, stating that it was simply a celebratory gesture or a reference to a high roll.
Despite being defeated by Robb’s Regidrago ex deck, Fernando Cifuentes was moved into the semifinals after the disqualification, ultimately having a significant impact on the tournament results. Regardless of their intentions, the outcome remained unchanged.
Despite facing an undefeated Jesse Parker in the semifinals, Cifuentes was able to secure a victory. Parker had advanced by defeating a deck similar to Robb’s, and he may have had a chance at another win if Robb’s victory had been counted. However, Cifuentes utilized their Iron Thorns ex deck, which presented a unique set of strategies and vulnerabilities.
Cifuentes gave Parker his first and only defeat in the Pokemon TCG 2024 World Championship tournament, securing a spot in the final. In the final match, he emerged victorious against Seinosuke Shiokawa to become the ultimate champion.
Congratulations to Fernando Cifuentes for becoming your #PokemonTCG Masters Division World Champion! #PokemonWorlds pic.twitter.com/4mXgnNlsG7
— Pokémon TCG (@PokemonTCG) August 19, 2024
The victory of Cifuentes has caused a divide in the community, with some players rejoicing in his win and the representation of Chile in the top cut. However, there are others who have deemed him a “false champion”and labeled his victory as “illegitimate”.
Robb personally addressed the matter and held no animosity towards Cifuentes. “I am rooting for him today. After getting to know him and his father, I could see how important it was for him to make the cut at worlds,”Robb stated. “He is a worthy champion.”
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